Ducks Take Up Residence at Dupont B&B

WASHINGTON, D.C. - It walks like a duck and quacks like a duck.

But wait-- this is the Swann House . It's a bed and breakfast in Dupont Circle.

"We have a large repeat clientele-- including ducks," says manager Rick Verkler.

One momma duck in particular is making herself right at home. They've even named her-- Amelia.

This is the third time in a year and half that the "feathered" Amelia Earhart has decided to make a nest and lay her eggs on the B & B's patio. This time, mom showed up in June.

And last week, seven ducklings hatched.

"They go into the pool immediately. You see these little fury balls floating around with their little feet," said owner Mary Ross.

Verkler raised the water level of the pool and added a wooden plank so the tiny critters could climb in and out of the pool. Now they don't even need help.

"Our guests who are staying here at the time, we tell them all about the duck and they come and visit her at the nest," Verkler told FOX 5. "And they're all very excited if they happen to be here when they hatch."

Like in the past, Animal Control will come get the ducks and relocate them to another area. That's a bittersweet day in the hospitality industry, but they figure mom will be back. They'll be eyeing the sky until then.